       Document 2838
 DOCN  M94A2838
 TI    The impact of pentoxifylline on quality of life.
 DT    9412
 AU    Cohen CJ; Dezube BJ; Day JM; Andradas V; Gagnon S; Rieker PP; CRI/New
       England, Boston, MA.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):213 (abstract no. PB0283). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369737
 AB    OBJECTIVE: Pentoxifylline (PTX) has been shown to decrease tumor
       necrosis factor (TNF) levels in AIDS patients. This study was designed
       to test the effect of PTX on measures of quality of life (QOL) and
       surrogate markers. METHODS: A randomized double-blind placebo controlled
       design was used: patients were on PTX (400 mg. 3x/d) for 4 of 5 months;
       placebo for one. Major eligibility was a Karnofsky score of > 40 and <
       100%; all stages of HIV infection were eligible. QOL measures were the
       profile of mood states (POMS) and a modified medical outcomes study
       (MOS-HIV) scale. RESULTS: Fifty-nine people were randomized; 22 had
       AIDS. At five months, 66% remained on study drug. There was significant
       improvement in several aspects of QOL. The POMS showed less anger and
       confusion (p = .05). In those without a prior AIDS diagnosis, the
       findings were even stronger: there was improvement on the total POMS
       mood score (p = .03), with less depression, anger (p = .01) and
       confusion (p = .005). Three subscales on the MOS (social function,
       cognitive function, feelings about health) showed similar benefit. No
       significant changes were seen in safety lab markers. Adverse events
       leading to drug withdrawal included headache (1), jitteriness (2) and GI
       upset (3). CONCLUSION: The use of PTX may improve several specific
       measures of quality of life. This benefit was even stronger in those
       without AIDS.
 DE    Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/DRUG THERAPY/PSYCHOLOGY  *Affect
       Anger  Attitude to Health  Cognition  Confusion  Depression
       Double-Blind Method  Human  HIV Infections/*DRUG THERAPY/PSYCHOLOGY
       Pentoxifylline/*THERAPEUTIC USE  *Quality of Life  Social Behavior
       Treatment Outcome  CLINICAL TRIAL  MEETING ABSTRACT  RANDOMIZED
       CONTROLLED TRIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

